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Key Public Sector Dates

The caretaker period begins with the dissolution of the House of Assembly, and lasts until election results are clear or a new government has been installed (if applicable). The next election is currently expected in March 2018.

South Australian Caretaker Period

17 February 2018 to 17 March 2018

The caretaker period begins from the issuing of the writs for the fixed term election date - which by law must occur 28 days before the election - and lasts until the electoral outcome is known.

Victorian Caretaker Period

30 October 2018 to 24 November 2018

A normal caretaker period of 25 days applies before the fixed election date. The period can last up to 65 days if the Legislative Assembly is dissolved due to a no confidence vote or blocked supply bill

NSW Caretaker Period

1 March 2019 to 30 March 2019

The caretaker period begins following the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on the Friday before the first Saturday in March, and continues until after the election on the fourth Saturday in March.

Federal Caretaker Period

Before the expiry of the current House of Representatives' term on 2 November 2019

The caretaker period begins when the House of Representatives is dissolved by the Governor-General.

NT Caretaker Period

TBA July 2020 - August 2020

The caretaker period begins following the suspension of the Legislative Assembly and issuing of writs for the Territory election. This is likely to occur in July 2020 with the election taking place on 22 August.

ACT Caretaker Period

10 September 2020 to 17 October 2020

The caretaker period begins 37 days before polling day.

Queensland Caretaker Period

19/09/2020

The caretaker perdiod is normally 30 to 60 days before the election.

NZ Caretaker Period

By November 2020, following the election

New Zealand does not have a pre-election caretaker period, though recent governments have avoided making major decisions shortly before the election. Instead, caretaker conventions apply post-election if it is not clear who will form the next government, or in the interregnum period until the next government has taken office.

Western Australian Caretaker Period

TBA early 2021

The caretaker period begins following the issuing of writs for the state election. The next election will be held on 13 March 2021.